21
35
7
WandereR
Borneo
Déjà vu
Again My Life, at its core, is a political and legal thriller based on the premise of realpolitik power plays, the role of the prosecution, and systemic corruption that stems from the upper echelons of the South Korean political administration.
The drama showcases elements of “time travel/ re-living the past” that lean toward speculative fiction rather than pure sci-fi or even fantasy. Additionally, it features a certain amount of action, cloak-and-dagger intrigue and aspects concerning family relationships and youth/ school themes (briefly in the beginning), as well as friendship/ team dynamics with an extremely slight hint of romance.
The plot centres on Kim Hee Woo’s crusade for justice and perhaps vengeance amidst seemingly insurmountable odds against arguably the most powerful man in South Korea - political supremo and kingmaker extraordinaire, Cho Tae Seob. He does this armed with the knowledge of the past which he re-experiences through an inexplicable turn of event while gathering a close-knit circle of comrades-in-arms who join his efforts.
This drama is adapted from Lee Hae Nal’s (이해날) debut web novel Again My Life (어게인 마이 라이프), that was serialised between 2015 to 2016 and which has also spawned a webtoon series in 2019. Directed by Han Cheol Soo and Kim Yong Min based on the screenplay adaptation by Yoo Jung Soo (Jay), Kim Yul and Lee Byung Hun. Jeon Yeo Kyung provides the art direction while Kim Jong Cheon serves as music director. Martial arts (MMA) and fight sequences are choreographed by Seoul Action School’s Kim Min Su and Lee Soo Min.
The narrative is primarily set in Seoul but principal photography for this SBS production took place in a variety of locations. These include Seoul itself as well as Incheon, Cheonan, Asan, Sejong, Samcheok, Donghae, and Busan. The fictional Korea University depicted is in fact Hoseo University 's Asan Campus. The gym run by Kang Sung Jae is Jochiwon Smoke Boxing Gymnasium. The Gimsan Branch prosecutorial office is the East Sea Research Center of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology. The exterior of Cheonha Group's headquarters is the SBS broadcasting centre located in Mok-dong. Finally, the Haeundae Doosan towers in Busan Haeundae Marine City is the setting of the epic fight between Kim Hee Woo and Doctor K in the first episode.
A total of 8 songs are listed in the soundtrack, of which my personal favourite is the catchy and upbeat outro theme, Till the End by U Sung Eun which somehow induces me to do a little dance-along whenever each episode ends. The drama also features prominently as its main orchestral theme and instrumental BGM, Gustav Holst’s hymn tune, Thaxted. This is the tune for the widely-known hymn of I Vow to Thee, My Country.
Yoon Do Hyun - What the Ggang?
Sonnet - Bring It On
Park Do Joon - Burn
U Sung Eun - Till The End
GB9 - Alone
HANHAE ft. KISSXS - Shadow
Sondia - Tragedy
Ha Dong Qn - Killing Me
What I Liked
Again My Life is an easy to watch, relaxing drama that exudes “Netflix-and-chill” vibes. It isn’t groundbreaking or original in any sense, for viewers who have watched a sufficient number of similarly themed K-productions. Despite the political-legal thriller tag, the plot lacks the required depth and complexity to make this a truly memorable viewing experience. The inclusion of “time travel” plot device doesn’t really add much more dimension to the storyline either, imho.
HOWEVER… I had fun!
The storytelling is pretty linear and simplistic in that this inherently focuses on good versus evil, embodied by an equally superpowered individual on each side of the divide. There is much scheming and plotting by both camps in the pursuit of their respective agendas but in the end, it all boils down to the final confrontation between the two main characters, which is never in doubt from the get-go. If you’re looking for complicated power dynamics and intricately-woven machinations, then perhaps your expectations would not be satiated by this drama. On the other hand, if you just want the kind of no-frills entertainment that provides eventful thrills at a sufficiently engaging pace and without exhausting brain cells or inducing angsty emotions, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the more positive takeaways from this show is the very well choreographed action sequences, particularly the MMA-inspired hand-to-hand combat scenes. These usually involve the ML fighting against numerous assailants but in a manner that appears more realistic and technical rather than merely fantastical or illogical, which is frequently the case these days. The inclusion of a number of impressive “Boss fights” certainly spices up the entertainment value even further. The nicely presented fighting scenes come courtesy of the expertly rendered camerawork, as part of the overall cinematography which has been quite decent for the most part, in this drama.
This drama features an ensemble cast that is headlined by well known leads, with a number of familiar female actresses as well. Lee Joon Gi plays the righteous and, to a certain extent, omniscient ML, Kim Hee Woo. I’ve been a huge fan for a number of years and despite the limitations of the role here, he still delivers an impactful performance where he even gets to play a teenage version of himself in a brief “back-to-school” arc. It helps immensely that he possesses an abundantly youthful countenance, and a versatile hairstyle to boot, to pull this off. Physically he is also in good form where viewers get to see him executing slick MMA moves and various stunts in his action scenes.
The controversial Lee Kyung Young plays the all-powerful main villain, Cho Tae Seob. Whenever any production requires an utterly believable and compelling antagonist for casting consideration, this man would most likely belong to that top category of candidates to call upon. Not many in the industry could boast such gravitas, screen presence and pervading aura of villainy.
The actresses involved in this project comprise Kim Ji Eun (The Veil), Hong Bi Ra, Kim Jae Kyung (The Devil Judge) and Cha Joo Young (Chimera) who portray Kim Hee Ah, Kim Gyu Ri, Kim Han Mi and Han Ji Hyun respectively. Top billing is given to Kim Ji Eun as the purported FL although her role isn’t considered significantly more profound than the rest of her counterparts who share more or less equal screen time in the grand scheme of things. Despite the initial potential and eventual possibility of a harem, it really isn’t.
Among the rest of the supporting cast, my favourite performance comes from Jung Sang Hoon as the enigmatic Lee Min Soo. The veterans of Choi Kwang Il, Jeon Gook Hwan and Yoo Dong Geun provide no small amount of experience to the production.
What Could’ve Been Better
This drama being what it is, I can’t really demand or expect much more out of the production than what was delivered in the end. That being said, I do think that there are probably three areas that could have possibly provided more personal satisfaction:
1. The romance. I wouldn’t mind seeing the ML fall in love in the process of pursuing justice. In addition, I actually shipped him with Kim Han Mi in lieu of the actual FL.
2. The characterization. Perhaps due in part to the extensive cast, the focus is shared between too many characters. I would have liked to have seen certain characters and their dynamics fleshed out more. As it is, the spotlight shines primarily on both the main protagonist and antagonist.
3. The last 2 episodes progresses much faster than the rest of the drama. Too fast, in fact. A number of details or interactions that would've provided a deeper impact to the storytelling are skipped over in favour of the final showdown between the two leading men where the other characters kind of fall by the wayside.
Final Thoughts
For all intents and purposes, this drama does reasonably well what it sets out to do, which is to provide entertainment based on a tried and trusted formula of a team of good people - led by a charismatic and ultra likeable guy - going against all odds to right the wrongs of the world by bringing the perpetrators to justice, one bad guy at a time. As I mentioned earlier, don’t expect much more; just sit back, put your feet up and chill with the show.
The drama showcases elements of “time travel/ re-living the past” that lean toward speculative fiction rather than pure sci-fi or even fantasy. Additionally, it features a certain amount of action, cloak-and-dagger intrigue and aspects concerning family relationships and youth/ school themes (briefly in the beginning), as well as friendship/ team dynamics with an extremely slight hint of romance.
The plot centres on Kim Hee Woo’s crusade for justice and perhaps vengeance amidst seemingly insurmountable odds against arguably the most powerful man in South Korea - political supremo and kingmaker extraordinaire, Cho Tae Seob. He does this armed with the knowledge of the past which he re-experiences through an inexplicable turn of event while gathering a close-knit circle of comrades-in-arms who join his efforts.
This drama is adapted from Lee Hae Nal’s (이해날) debut web novel Again My Life (어게인 마이 라이프), that was serialised between 2015 to 2016 and which has also spawned a webtoon series in 2019. Directed by Han Cheol Soo and Kim Yong Min based on the screenplay adaptation by Yoo Jung Soo (Jay), Kim Yul and Lee Byung Hun. Jeon Yeo Kyung provides the art direction while Kim Jong Cheon serves as music director. Martial arts (MMA) and fight sequences are choreographed by Seoul Action School’s Kim Min Su and Lee Soo Min.
The narrative is primarily set in Seoul but principal photography for this SBS production took place in a variety of locations. These include Seoul itself as well as Incheon, Cheonan, Asan, Sejong, Samcheok, Donghae, and Busan. The fictional Korea University depicted is in fact Hoseo University 's Asan Campus. The gym run by Kang Sung Jae is Jochiwon Smoke Boxing Gymnasium. The Gimsan Branch prosecutorial office is the East Sea Research Center of the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology. The exterior of Cheonha Group's headquarters is the SBS broadcasting centre located in Mok-dong. Finally, the Haeundae Doosan towers in Busan Haeundae Marine City is the setting of the epic fight between Kim Hee Woo and Doctor K in the first episode.
A total of 8 songs are listed in the soundtrack, of which my personal favourite is the catchy and upbeat outro theme, Till the End by U Sung Eun which somehow induces me to do a little dance-along whenever each episode ends. The drama also features prominently as its main orchestral theme and instrumental BGM, Gustav Holst’s hymn tune, Thaxted. This is the tune for the widely-known hymn of I Vow to Thee, My Country.
Yoon Do Hyun - What the Ggang?
Sonnet - Bring It On
Park Do Joon - Burn
U Sung Eun - Till The End
GB9 - Alone
HANHAE ft. KISSXS - Shadow
Sondia - Tragedy
Ha Dong Qn - Killing Me
What I Liked
Again My Life is an easy to watch, relaxing drama that exudes “Netflix-and-chill” vibes. It isn’t groundbreaking or original in any sense, for viewers who have watched a sufficient number of similarly themed K-productions. Despite the political-legal thriller tag, the plot lacks the required depth and complexity to make this a truly memorable viewing experience. The inclusion of “time travel” plot device doesn’t really add much more dimension to the storyline either, imho.
HOWEVER… I had fun!
The storytelling is pretty linear and simplistic in that this inherently focuses on good versus evil, embodied by an equally superpowered individual on each side of the divide. There is much scheming and plotting by both camps in the pursuit of their respective agendas but in the end, it all boils down to the final confrontation between the two main characters, which is never in doubt from the get-go. If you’re looking for complicated power dynamics and intricately-woven machinations, then perhaps your expectations would not be satiated by this drama. On the other hand, if you just want the kind of no-frills entertainment that provides eventful thrills at a sufficiently engaging pace and without exhausting brain cells or inducing angsty emotions, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the more positive takeaways from this show is the very well choreographed action sequences, particularly the MMA-inspired hand-to-hand combat scenes. These usually involve the ML fighting against numerous assailants but in a manner that appears more realistic and technical rather than merely fantastical or illogical, which is frequently the case these days. The inclusion of a number of impressive “Boss fights” certainly spices up the entertainment value even further. The nicely presented fighting scenes come courtesy of the expertly rendered camerawork, as part of the overall cinematography which has been quite decent for the most part, in this drama.
This drama features an ensemble cast that is headlined by well known leads, with a number of familiar female actresses as well. Lee Joon Gi plays the righteous and, to a certain extent, omniscient ML, Kim Hee Woo. I’ve been a huge fan for a number of years and despite the limitations of the role here, he still delivers an impactful performance where he even gets to play a teenage version of himself in a brief “back-to-school” arc. It helps immensely that he possesses an abundantly youthful countenance, and a versatile hairstyle to boot, to pull this off. Physically he is also in good form where viewers get to see him executing slick MMA moves and various stunts in his action scenes.
The controversial Lee Kyung Young plays the all-powerful main villain, Cho Tae Seob. Whenever any production requires an utterly believable and compelling antagonist for casting consideration, this man would most likely belong to that top category of candidates to call upon. Not many in the industry could boast such gravitas, screen presence and pervading aura of villainy.
The actresses involved in this project comprise Kim Ji Eun (The Veil), Hong Bi Ra, Kim Jae Kyung (The Devil Judge) and Cha Joo Young (Chimera) who portray Kim Hee Ah, Kim Gyu Ri, Kim Han Mi and Han Ji Hyun respectively. Top billing is given to Kim Ji Eun as the purported FL although her role isn’t considered significantly more profound than the rest of her counterparts who share more or less equal screen time in the grand scheme of things. Despite the initial potential and eventual possibility of a harem, it really isn’t.
Among the rest of the supporting cast, my favourite performance comes from Jung Sang Hoon as the enigmatic Lee Min Soo. The veterans of Choi Kwang Il, Jeon Gook Hwan and Yoo Dong Geun provide no small amount of experience to the production.
What Could’ve Been Better
This drama being what it is, I can’t really demand or expect much more out of the production than what was delivered in the end. That being said, I do think that there are probably three areas that could have possibly provided more personal satisfaction:
1. The romance. I wouldn’t mind seeing the ML fall in love in the process of pursuing justice. In addition, I actually shipped him with Kim Han Mi in lieu of the actual FL.
2. The characterization. Perhaps due in part to the extensive cast, the focus is shared between too many characters. I would have liked to have seen certain characters and their dynamics fleshed out more. As it is, the spotlight shines primarily on both the main protagonist and antagonist.
3. The last 2 episodes progresses much faster than the rest of the drama. Too fast, in fact. A number of details or interactions that would've provided a deeper impact to the storytelling are skipped over in favour of the final showdown between the two leading men where the other characters kind of fall by the wayside.
Final Thoughts
For all intents and purposes, this drama does reasonably well what it sets out to do, which is to provide entertainment based on a tried and trusted formula of a team of good people - led by a charismatic and ultra likeable guy - going against all odds to right the wrongs of the world by bringing the perpetrators to justice, one bad guy at a time. As I mentioned earlier, don’t expect much more; just sit back, put your feet up and chill with the show.
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